The Bible offers various messages about the importance of setting personal and interpersonal boundaries to maintain the health of our relationships and the wellbeing of our individual lives. Having boundaries lets us define who we are, who we want to be, and how we aim to interact with others.
Who Sets the Boundaries?
The Bible consistently highlights that boundaries are designed by God, indicating to us that they have a holy significance. Numerous verses reflect God’s role in delineating the lands of nations or setting the boundaries of the seas. In the same way, He sets limits on our life as humans, guiding us with moral, spiritual, and behavioral boundaries. These are not meant to shackle us, but to protect us. They are God’s way of showing His love and care for us, allowing us to live with freedom within a safe and fruitful framework.
What Boundaries are Set in the Bible?
Broadly, the Bible establishes boundaries on numerous levels. They range from individual responsibilities and ethical codes, to communal norms and societal regulations. The Ten Commandments represent the most recognized example of these boundaries, delineating duties toward God, one’s family, and the broader community. Beyond explicit commandments, the Bible also implies boundaries through the instruction and example of Christ and the apostles. Veritable boundaries can be understood through teachings about honesty, humility, love, and respect. The Bible encourages setting personal limits, which include self-control, emotional intelligence, and chastity.
When to Cultivate Personal Boundaries?
The Bible’s teachings promote the establishment of personal boundaries as a fundamental part of spiritual growth and maturity. While it encourages us to serve others lovingly, it also warns us against the dangers of becoming people-pleasers or being overly anxious about the responsibility for others’ happiness. It’s suggested that we may need to learn when to say ‘yes’ and when to say ‘no,’ and this comes from understanding our own capacities and limitations. Updating or shifting our boundaries may be necessary as we grow, change, and gain new understanding. Wisdom, discernment and prayer can guide us in such seasons of change.
Where are Boundaries Required?
Biblically, the need for boundaries is seen nearly everywhere; in the relationship between individuals and God, within families, between friends, within the church, and in wider society. In all these relationships, setting boundaries helps maintain respect, love, and understanding. For instance, the Bible teaches us about the importance of respecting others’ privacy and possessions. We are urged to ‘do to others what we would have them do to us,’ implying a recognition of both our own boundaries and those of others. Similarly, boundaries are necessary in our relationship with God, helping us to know our place as His beloved creation, dependent upon His grace and subject to His will.
Why are Boundaries Important?
Boundaries, according to biblical teaching, are essential for several reasons. First, they protect us from harm. Like a shepherd sets boundaries for his flock to keep them safe, God sets boundaries for human behavior to keep us safe. Second, boundaries create a framework for healthy relationships. They help ensure mutual respect and facilitate better communication. Lastly, boundaries also enhance our personal growth. They encourage us to practice self-discipline, promote our emotional well-being, and foster our spiritual development. As such, cultivating boundaries can be seen as a spiritual discipline, helping us to live according to God’s design and purpose for our lives.
Below is the full list of bible verses on boundaries (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Boundaries
Galatians 6:5
“5 For every man shall bear his own burden.”
Related Themes: Responsibility Personal Responsibility Enabling
2 Corinthians 6:14
“14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?”
Proverbs 25:17
“17 Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbour’s house; lest he be weary of thee, and so hate thee.”
Related Themes: Friendship
Colossians 4:6
“6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Related Themes: Gossip Communication Cursing Understanding
Psalm 16:5-9
“5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.”
Related Themes: Inheritance
Acts 17:26
“26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;”
Related Themes: Sovereignty Equality Segregation
Proverbs 15:1
“1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Related Themes: Arguing Criticism Bitterness Criticism Gossip
Philippians 4:8
“8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Related Themes: Lust Gossip Attitude Complaining
Proverbs 19:19
“19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again.”
Proverbs 22:24
“24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:”
Related Themes: Criticism Dating Frustration Friendship
Galatians 6:2
“2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Related Themes: Suffering Strangers Community Justice Homelessness
Psalm 147:14
“14 He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.”
Matthew 5:28
“28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”
Psalm 16:5-8
“5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.”
Related Themes: Inheritance
Ephesians 5:1-4
“1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Complaining Children Reputation Reverence
Proverbs 21:19
“19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.”
Psalm 19:7-11
“7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.”
Mark 9:49-50
“49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.”
Mark 9:42-50
“42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.45 And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:48 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.”
Related Themes: Abuse Temptation
Proverbs 23:14
“14 Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.”
Related Themes: Hell
Matthew 5:13
“13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”
Related Themes: Reputation Community Trespassing Strength Coveting
Matthew 5:37
“37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.”
Related Themes: Telling The Truth Honesty Sarcasm Consistency Leadership
Proverbs 15:25
“25 The LORD will destroy the house of the proud: but he will establish the border of the widow.”
Related Themes: Pride
1 Timothy 4:12
“12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
Related Themes: Youth Children Dating Leadership Purity
Mark 9:50
“50 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.”
Related Themes: Peace
Proverbs 26:5
“5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.”
Proverbs 24:11
“11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;”
Related Themes: Self-Defense Abomination Rescue Police
Proverbs 22:28
“28 Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.”
Titus 3:10
“10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;”
Related Themes: Gossip Negativity Excommunication Fighting Discipline
Luke 14:34
“34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?”
